Experiences of epistemic injustice amongst voice-hearers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring experiences of epistemic injustice amongst voice-hearers with and without a mental health need: a qualitative thematic analysis study
IRAS ID
278490
Contact name
Olivia Harris
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bath
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
Epistemic injustice refers to a form of discrimination where someone is not believed, or is unable to make sense of their experiences, because they belong to a minority group. There is increasing recognition that individuals who hear voices may be particularly vulnerable to epistemic injustice, due to prevalent negative stereotypes and marginalisation. Research exploring distress in relation to voice-hearing has highlighted that how others respond, and how they make sense of, their voices may relate to the level of distress these voices cause. Therefore, it is possible experiences of epistemic injustice may impact on the distress people feel in relation to their voices. Interestingly, research suggests differences in other’s responses and sense-making processes between voice-hearers with and without a mental health need. Thus, experiences of epistemic injustice may differ between these groups, and understanding this better may allow insight into why voices trigger distress for certain individuals. There is currently no research exploring experiences of epistemic injustice amongst voice-hearers. It is this research gap this study looks to meet.
This study will use a qualitative methodology to explore experiences of epistemic injustice amongst voice-hearers with and without a mental-health need related to their voices and will look to recruit 10-20 participants.
One to one semi-structured interviews will be carried out with participants, which will be audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Participants with a mental health need will be recruited via adult community, early intervention and inpatient services within local NHS Trusts, or non-NHS groups if needed. Participants without a mental health need will be recruited via special interest community groups (i.e. psychic networks) or religious organisations. Participants will complete screening measures prior to participation, and then partake in an interview expected to last at most 1.5 hours. Overall, participation is likely to last 2 hours.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
20/ES/0054
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jun 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion